On a sunny Friday in December, eight year old Oli (image above with Barry Plant representatives Jarrod, Couch, Lucas De Bartolo and Eliza Stott) who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, was granted the special wish that had kept him going through his treatments - his own clubhouse where he and his friends could play!

With his mother, father and brother Ethan (images below), Make-A-Wish volunteers and Barry Plant team members in attendance, Oli was handed the keys to his very own space by Barry Plant Coburg agent Jarrod Couch.   The little timber building was fitted out with everything a clubhouse would need, including a table and set of chairs, beanbags, bookcases and lots of games. He was ecstatic. 

Oli has had a very challenging few years. In October 2020, the bright and bubbly six year old was rushed in for surgery during a Melbourne lockdown, where a 32mm tumour was removed from his head as well as two small pea-sized tumours on his spine – and this was just the beginning.

After surgery, Oli had 30 rounds of radiation therapy which involved having to have a general anaesthetic each time.  In January 2021 he began chemotherapy.  Whilst undergoing treatment, Oli’s application for a wish was granted, thus kickstarting his Wish Journey. Wishes are designed to complement a child’s medical treatment, working to calm, distract and inspire at a time they need it most. Oli’s wish anticipation was so important in keeping his spirits up.

When the time finally came for his wish to be realised, Barry Plant Group contributed to the fit out of the clubhouse, with Barry Plant Coburg stocking the cubby with games. 

Barry Plant had their major fundraiser Wishtober for Make-A-Wish in October, raising $80K for the organisation and bringing the total amount they have raised during their eight year partnership to $942,655.

Next year, Oli will be the face of the Barry Plant Wishtober campaign.